Longtime artist wins Canal Era Art Contest

Mike Stiers was drawn to art as a child

Mike Stiers poses with his painting of the blacksmith shop in Roscoe Village.(Photo: Jennifer L. Manfrin/for the Tribune)Buy Photo

COSHOCTON – Mike Stiers was surprised to receive first place in the Canal Era Art Contest last month.

Participating artists entered works with Roscoe Village themes, and Stiers’ took first prize for his painting of the blacksmith shop that captured it as it is today and years ago.

“I love that old building,” said Stiers, who grew up in the area and was inspired by an old photo with blacksmith Tinker Dobson . “Today the building looks a lot like it did back then. I added the original sign and a dirt road instead of the paved one that’s there now,” he said.

He also tied for third place with his painting, The Resting Place. It depicts part of the foot path behind Roscoe with remnants of one of the locks.

“I was proud, surprised and grateful because we had a lot of artists in the community represented in the contest. I have a lot of respect for them,” he said of the competition that was judged by Roscoe Village members. “To be selected is a great honor.”

Though shocked by his recent award, Stiers isn’t new to painting. In fact, it’s a talent that he’s had most of his life.

“I’ve painted as long as I can remember,” said Stiers, who began creating art as a child. When he was in grade school he took art lessons from local water-color artist Vivian Williams. After high school he attended the Columbus College of Art and Design on a one-year scholarship.

“I’m just drawn to it, and always stuck with it,” he said. He even spent time as a young adult painting signs and pinstriping automobiles.